Reuel Eugene Tay

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Sometimes, it’s difficult to hold on to our values when it differs so much from the world’s. But who could blame? After all, we are only but temporary residents in this world. I was reading the Book of Jeremiah last Thursday when I felt a sudden impression to flip to the Book of Daniel. I was once again inspired by the courage of Daniel to stand firm on his beliefs in Jehovah God and that God would not fail him. And just like what Pastor Phil said, how he turned things around for the Jews when he held on to his faith in God. I was also deeply moved by the story of the Fourth Men (Jesus Christ) when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego was cast into the burning fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship other gods. (Daniel 3:8-30)

The fire was so strong that the king’s best soldiers were killed by the fire while going near it. It must had been so excruciatingly hot. When everything seemed bleak, the Fourth Men appeared and was with them in the heat of it all. In fact, the Fourth Men was possibly already there as they were drawing near to the furnace, for none of their clothes nor their hair was harmed by the fiery flames. The Fourth Men was Jesus. I thought about this and am reminded how in our situations and crisis, when there seems to be no way, God will make a way. And He has already done so even before the trial has taken place. I am reminded of the goodness of my Lord Jesus Christ, whose mercy and goodness will never fail [me].

Perhaps you are like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, casted into a burning fiery furnace-of-a-trial and everything seems hopeless. You need a Fourth Men. Fret not, God is right there with you in the heat, and His hands are not short that He cannot save [you]. Jesus is your Fourth Men when everything seems hopeless.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22

And as encouraged by Derrick, a fellow ministry member, I decided to come out with an entry on the idea and inspiration behind the painting.

First, I applied the principle layer on the canvas. Painting a color over the canvas more than I intended is fine as I can simply use the next color to overlap it. It will be more disastrous to not cover enough area and having to damage-control later on.

Next, using a paint brush I pulled the yellow up into the flesh tint in a swing-up motion to emulate the movement of the flames. I added a few drops of yellow with those small paint brushes to make it more realistic. The flames should not be uniformed as a real flame is never uniformed, right?

In the next motion, I threw a dash of mixed burnt sienna and white paint as the base layer for the bottom part of the canvas. Adding contrast, I added the burnt sienna onto the canvas to give the fire some ‘depth’.

Following that, I thought about what was going on in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego’s mind during the trial. From there, I moved on to think about what were they thinking? Were they full of faith? Were they scared? Were they dancing? Could they see the Fourth Men?

The painting was completed, I pictured the Fourth Men Jesus to be in a robe of white just like the angel in my previous Abram painting. I imagined their locks of hair to be shining white (from God’s glory). One was lifting his hands in worship. One was moving towards the Fourth Men. One opened his arms to embrace Him. Yet I wasn’t satisfied by the color of the three men’s robes. I then played around with the leftover paint, mixing the colors here and there, and putting them on their robes.

Now you can be a painter too. (Note that I have no prior experience and proper training in painting) If you have a revelation, why not paint it out? Immortalize it, help yourself to remember it. A picture speaks a thousand words.

P.S. I hope this painting and/or the inspiration behind it has encouraged you. 🙂

Hi my friends. The day has finally come (soon) that I achieve the next milestone in my life – 21 years old. Haha, yea I know, many gonna fold their arms and say “Huh?! Reuel is only 21?!” I get that a lot but I kinda like that! Isn’t it ironic that younger people wanna look older while older people wanna look younger? Hah, the great paradox. Alright, anyway back to the topic.

After attending countless 21st birthday parties, it’s finally my turn. Haha! I know the pains of traveling to some ulu pandan chalet (not that I am against it!), plus I am not very keen on holding a 3D2N chalet etc, as such I will be holding a small celebration at the function room at my place! (Kovan Melody, just beside Kovan MRT) Near right! Wahaha. I will be celebrating on the 5th of November, Friday (Deepavali Public Holiday!).

More than that, I want to celebrate with the people who has and/or continue to be a part of my life. Classmates, cell group and ex cell group members, family members, girlfriend, church friends, ministry friends and zone leaders. You people have left dozens of footprints in my life! Hah!

The party is by invite only, spouses and boyfriend/girlfriends may tag along but please inform beforehand so that I can settle the catering! 😀 (Please forgive me if you’re close to me and you’re not the invite list! Just drop me a sms to let me know. Very sorry, too many people to add.)

And as for the presents, here are some suggestions if you have difficulty in deciding a present for me. They may look in order from the most desired to the least (HAHA), but they are not. If I have blessed your life in any way, do take this time to bless me back! Haha! But if you have financial problems whatsoever, it’s really ok to come with just a card or even nothing. Your presence is much more important and valued than the presents. 🙂

Birthday Wishlist

Blackberry Playbook (Coming out next year only D: )

Ipad

Canon DSLR

Ipod Touch

Major shopping mall vouchers (You will never go wrong with vouchers.. haha)

Hi all. Just want to say thanks for reading this humble blog of mine. I would like to apologize to those who check back at my blog daily but do not find new articles as compared to the beginning where I blog at least one entry a day.

This is because I am piled up with school projects (Year 3 has its perks such as being called the seniors but also its cons which is very tough projects which require extensive research!), helping out with the Parade of Nations showcase during Asia Conference as well as preparing to cover Asia Conference events under Citynews, news media company.

Super tired! But I am pressing on! Feel free to drop messages of encouragements! Please continue to check back on this blog once in a while and spread the word about this ‘awesome’ blog (hopefully in your eyes, haha!). Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your loved ones! Make me as famous as Xiaxue! hahaha!